by AdminSoa
June 19, 2013

Long before Zanzibar was a name synonymous with beautiful beaches and the labyrinthine alleys of historic Stone Town, the archipelago was known throughout the world as the 'Spice Islands' due to the rich variety of spices that could be grown there.

Along with ivory from the mainland, cloves and other spices from Zanzibar and neighbour Mafia were a linchpin in the Omani Sultanate's lucrative trade network.

Today, the Spice Islands can be explored, smelled, and tasted on a fascinating Zanzibar Spice Tour.

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Its all about tasting the flavours!

When you first hear 'spice tour', you probably don't get terribly excited. You're picturing fields full of spice plants and a gift shop at the conclusion of your tour.

I know that's how I felt when I first read about the tour.

But a Zanzibar Spice Tour is all about experiencing the smells and tastes that made spices such a lucrative industry for centuries.

Your four hour guided tour through one of the island's largest spice plantations will see you tasting exotic fruits, smelling aromatic herbs & spices, and learning more about how they are grown and how they are used.

You'll not only learn about the culinary benefits of these fascinating plants, but also their medicinal benefits as well.

It's a fascinating insight into the often forgotten ingredients that go into our meals, while also being a glimpse into Zanzibar's rich history.

 

Take a Spice Tour with Shadows of Africa

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Shadows of Africa can arrange a spice tour to coincide with your visit to Zanzibar's main island.

Departing from your hotel after breakfast, you'll make your way to Kibweni Palace, the country residence of Sultan Khalifa II during the early parts of the 20th century.

From here, you'll walk through to famous Kidichi Persian Baths. While the lavish bath house is not open for bathing, it is possible to get a glimpse into the decadent lifestyle of the Sultans who ordered its construction more than 150 years ago.

Your journey through time continues with a visit to the ruins of Maruhubi Palace, where the Sultan maintained a harem of wives and lovers. While the majority of the imposing complex was destroyed by fire in 1899, the ruins still paint a vivid picture of the site's former glory.

Our next stop is our ultimate destination, with the Kizimbani Spice Plantations being where you'll see the spices and fruits growing, learn more about their harvesting and uses, and taste, touch, and smell to your hearts content!

 

The opportunity is there to buy your own Zanzibar spices to take back home with you, or you can simply enjoy the tactile experience and savour the exotic scents and flavours.

Are you interested in an African safari?

Contact one of our safari experts and we will tailor-make a safari for you!

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